AUSTIN - A rally at the Texas State Capitol calling for equal parental rights unfolded Monday.

It was in support of House Bill 453, which is aimed at expanding options for Texas families going through a divorce.

A series of speakers made emotional pleas to lawmakers, sharing personal stories and hardships over current parental rights laws.

A group called Americans for Parental Equality said judges and courts favor mothers in divorce hearings. They voiced their support for HB 453, which would encourage judges to consider equal parental rights first when deciding divorce proceedings. About 40 supporters held signs outside the Capitol. Many pointed to unequal time afforded to fathers, leading to difficult father-children relationships.